Capital punishment works fine when it is evenly applied. The reason it doesn't work in the United States is because for example, in California you are more likely to die of old age on Death Row then actually of the death penalty. People actually go through an average of 14 appeals before the punishment is exacted. If the punishment was actually applied, I think you might find that it worked as a deterrent a little better. And if it were brutal and public, it might work as well. You know, the old Henrician way. Hang them by the neck. Cut them down whilst they are still alive. Castrate them. Disembowel them. Burn their bowels before them. Draw and quarter them. And carry the quarters of the body to the corners of the land on a horse calling out in every populated area, this is what happens to those who violate the King's Peace. And make it public. In Henry VIII's time they were popular pastimes. People brought their children and made them watch, and explained that this is what happened to them, "should they fall into a life of crime."
Every single American citizen should be obligated by law to attend an execution on or near their 16th Birthday, in order to know how we punish malefactors. And the above should be the manner of punishment, or something equal in brutality.
DAVE, lets make sure they all die. That way none of them would have a hope of getting here. Right now, they think they will be lucky. Lets assure them that they won't be.